agriculture 7 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Scientists Develop Climate-Resilient Banana Farming Techniques
Experts from NaRL, Makerere University, and banana producers are collaborating on a five-year project to combat climate-induced challenges in banana production, including drought, pests, and poor soil fertility. Funded by Denmark, the initiative aims to boost yields from current low levels to meet food security needs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/agricultural-scientists-devising-climate-resilient-banana-production-methods-5415804
Banana farming, a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, faces declining productivity due to climate change effects like water stress, pests, diseases, and low soil fertility. Scientists are stepping in with innovative solutions to safeguard this vital crop.
The ‘Climate Resilient Banana Production in Uganda’ project, launched at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NaRL) in Kawanda, is a five-year effort funded by the Danish government with about Shs5 billion. Led by NaRL Director Dr. Rooboni Tumuhimbise, it addresses the gap between potential yields of 70 tons per hectare and actual outputs of 10-30 tons.
Involving six PhD and two master’s students from Makerere University and NaRL, the project screens drought-tolerant varieties, promotes soil management via mulching, intercropping, and organic manure, and identifies beneficial microorganisms to fight pests and diseases. Optimized irrigation using drip and sprinkler systems is also under trial to minimize water use.
Dr. Patrick Komakech from Ngetta ZARDI will lead studies on rhizobacteria like Bacillus and fungal endophytes to enhance plant growth and resistance. Dr. Prossie Nakawuka’s team tests intercropping bananas with crops like coffee for better soil moisture retention.
Climate impacts are severe: erratic rains and heat cause wilting, smaller bunches, premature ripening, and diseases such as banana bunchy top virus and Fusarium wilt, threatening food security. Danish Ambassador Signe Winding Albjerg highlighted the need for such research to support smallholder farmers.
Farmer Asaph Mugizi from Mbarara, chair of the Uganda Banana Producers Cooperative Union, reports yields dropping from 250 to 150 bunches monthly on his 24-acre farm during dry spells. Field trials in central and western Uganda will test these strategies for real-world impact.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)